Fighting Razorbacks Statue Dedicated at Broyles Center

BY ANDRES FOCIL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Long-time Razorback fans Jim Hatfield and Susie Stephens traveled halfway around the world to find the perfect tribute to Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles and his nearly 50 years of service to the University of Arkansas as a coach, an administrator and a goodwill ambassador.

They found what they were looking for when they came across a statue of “Fighting Razorbacks” on a trip to France. The statue, built in the 1920s, features two Razorbacks in the midst of a scuffle. Hatfield and Stephens felt the statue was emblematic of the fighting spirit of the Razorback and the fervor of the Razorback fans. On Tuesday, Hatfield and Stephens unveiled their unique find to Broyles and the rest of the Razorback family at a dedication ceremony on the steps of the Broyles Center. The statue will be a permanent feature of the plaza outside the Broyles Center at the north end of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

“I have been blessed to be part of the Razorback Miracle for nearly 50 years,” Broyles said. “The Razorback program has grown and prospered thanks to the generosity and hard work of many individuals. I am humbled and honored that Jim and Susie have donated this beautiful statue for every Razorback fan to treasure. I’m confident that it will quickly become a campus landmark.”

Broyles also said he hopes that a new tradition might be spawned by the statue. He suggested that Razorback football players touch the statue on their way into the Broyles Center on game day.

Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt and other athletic department and university officials were on hand for the ceremony.